Do not Fear God's Silence

"When He had heard therefore that he was sick, He abode two days still in the same place where He was." John 11:6

When the Lord heard that Lazarus was sick, “therefore, He abode two days.”

I have often experienced silence in my prayers. A hundred times have I sent up words where my only reply was silence. I’ve cried, "Why art Thou so far from me?" But I never thought that His silence was my salvation. That His quiet was my help.

It was a very remarkable answer to Lazarus’ pain, don’t you think? This was someone Jesus loved. But it appears that the sisters had not asked for too much but too little. They had asked for the restoration of Lazarus’s life. What they received was the revelation of Eternal Life. (Jn. 11:25)

A holy silence follows some prayers because we are not yet ripe for their answer. The full story of prayer is not necessarily a prompt reply. It is gracious preparation for it. To be made ready for better blessings…but later. Mary Magdalene came to the mouth of the tomb and, with begging tears, asked for Jesus’ body. But silence produced something far more glorious than she expected, her Living Lord. (Jn. 20:16)

Dear soul, do not be afraid of God's silences. It’s just another form of His Voice. God's silence is infinitely more powerful than we know. His negatives are sometimes far better than our hoped-for positives. Has stillness followed your earnest prayers? That’s God’s voice, too, dear one. A voice that will satisfy you fully when His time is right.

He hasn't moved from His place to help you.

He’s not too busy.

Wait for Him.

In the meantime, may His silences make you still. Perhaps He has something better to teach you. Something lasting. Something eternal.